Leaving the SSPX

Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP)

The FSSP was founded in 1988 by former SSPX priests who chose communion with Rome after the Lefebvre consecrations. They celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass with full canonical standing and faculties.

• FSSP Official Site → apostolates, seminary information, and community directory.
• FSSP Parish Finder → locate your nearest FSSP apostolate in the U.S. and Canada.
• FSSP Vocations → information for priests and seminarians discerning a transfer to the FSSP.
• Seminaries in Denton, Nebraska (Our Lady of Guadalupe) and Wigratzbad, Germany.

For SSPX priests/seminarians: Contact the FSSP vocations director directly. Former SSPX clergy have been received into the FSSP; each case is handled individually with the Holy See.

Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (ICKSP)

Founded in 1990 in Gabon, the ICKSP celebrates the Traditional Latin Mass with a particular emphasis on liturgical beauty, sacred art, and the social kingship of Christ. Fully canonical with pontifical right.

• ICKSP Official Site → apostolates, liturgical life, and contact information.
• ICKSP Locations → find an ICKSP apostolate near you.
• ICKSP Vocations → seminary and vocation inquiries for men considering traditional priestly formation.
• Seminary: Gricigliano, near Florence, Italy.

For SSPX priests/seminarians: The ICKSP has received former SSPX clergy. Contact the Provincial Superior or vocations office to discuss your situation confidentially.

Diocesan Latin Mass communities

Many dioceses have authorized Traditional Latin Mass parishes or chaplaincies staffed by diocesan priests with proper faculties. These operate under the local bishop's authority with full canonical regularity.

• Latin Mass Directory → comprehensive worldwide directory of authorized Traditional Latin Masses.
• Ecclesia Dei Mass Listings → U.S. Latin Mass locations by state.
• Contact your diocesan chancery or Office of Worship directly to ask about authorized TLM locations and their current status.
• Some dioceses have established personal parishes for the Extraordinary Form — ask whether one exists in your area.

For SSPX priests and seminarians

Leaving the SSPX as a priest or seminarian involves distinct canonical and practical steps. You are not alone — dozens of former SSPX clergy have been successfully incardinated into dioceses or canonical institutes.

• Contact the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith → the Holy See handles regularization of SSPX clergy directly. Write to the Dicastery (formerly CDF).
• Reach out to a diocesan bishop → some bishops will sponsor incardination or facilitate your transfer. Begin with a private letter to the bishop expressing your desire for canonical regularity.
• Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter → FSSP Vocations has experience receiving former SSPX priests.
• Institute of Christ the King → ICKSP Vocations welcomes inquiries from traditional clergy seeking canonical standing.
• Canons Regular of St. John Cantius → SJC Vocations — a canonical institute celebrating both forms of the Roman Rite in Chicago.
• Miles Christi → Miles Christi — religious order with traditional spirituality and full canonical standing.

Seminarians: If you are currently in an SSPX seminary, contact the vocations director of any canonical institute or a diocesan vocation office. Your philosophical and theological studies may be evaluated and partially credited. Act discreetly and seek a spiritual director outside the SSPX for guidance during discernment.

Other canonical traditional communities

Several other religious institutes and societies celebrate the traditional liturgy in full communion with Rome:

• Monastery of the Holy Spirit (Le Barroux) → Benedictine monks using the traditional rite.
• Our Lady of Clear Creek Abbey → Benedictine monastery in Oklahoma celebrating the traditional liturgy.
• Transalpine Redemptorists → formerly outside canonical structures, now fully regularized and celebrating the TLM.
• Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter → for those drawn to Anglican-tradition liturgy in full communion with Rome; reverent, traditional worship.

Reading path

1. Canon law basics: canonical form, faculties, jurisdiction, validity vs. liceity.
2. Primary sources: 1988 Ecclesia Dei, 2009 remission decree, 2009 Benedict XVI letter, 2016 confession faculty, 2017 marriage provision.
3. Recovery and apologetics: use supportive sources, then confirm claims against Vatican and diocesan documents.